World Perspectives

Industry Consolidation

U.S. antitrust law is complicated, but current efforts to block a merger between grocery retailers Albertsons and Kroger may not fit the bill. Current triggers under the law include: Market share of 70 percent or more, or less than 50 percent if barriers limit competition. Barriers to entry prevent competition. When a firm can raise prices above competitive levels without losing market share.   The use of predatory practices. A Herfindahl-Hirschman Index score of 2,500 or higher, or possibly 1,500 to 2,500. The proposed Albertson/Kroger merger would result in a firm still smaller than Walmart. Under the Rule of Three theory, firms consolidate until three firms dominate a market. GM, Ford and Chrysler once comprised the B...

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Export Sales

Export Sales and Shipments for August 1-7, 2025.  Wheat: Net sales of 722,800 metric tons (MT) for 2025/2026 were down 2 percent from the previous week, but up 14 percent from the prior 4-week average. Export shipments of 340,800 MT were down 49 percent from the previous week and 37 percen...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: A Strong Close for the Week

Markets were higher in the overnight and were all green at the open this morning. By the end of the session, most remained higher except meal and HRS. It was mostly a bounce back Friday instead of a profit taking end of the week. Though there was generally some of the lowest volumes traded for...

Tariffs and the Value of the U.S. Dollar

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

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Export Sales and Shipments for August 1-7, 2025.  Wheat: Net sales of 722,800 metric tons (MT) for 2025/2026 were down 2 percent from the previous week, but up 14 percent from the prior 4-week average. Export shipments of 340,800 MT were down 49 percent from the previous week and 37 percen...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Another Day in a Sea of Red

After a three-day rally, the soybean complex drifted lower, wheat continued its bearish decline, and corn miraculously escaped another day of damage.  The market now awaits crop tour results, which at their onset appear to be confirming USDA’s view of big yields. Barring a miraculous...

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From WPI Consulting

Infrastructure investment due diligence

On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.

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